Ongehoord Nederland faces potential loss of media recognition

The Dutch Media Authority (Commissariaat voor de Media) has advised Minister Rianne Letschert to reconsider the provisional recognition of the broadcaster Ongehoord Nederland (ON!). The regulator stated that the broadcaster has failed to meet requirements regarding organizational management, business processes, and journalistic quality standards.

The recommendation follows public outcry over a broadcast of the program ‘Let’s Twist Again,’ in which former editor-in-chief Joost Niemöller made comments regarding Adolf Hitler. Niemöller, who has since left the organization, reportedly stated that Hitler said certain things ‘very well.’

The Media Authority identified this incident as a ‘turning point,’ noting that the broadcaster has received two formal sanctions since September 2025. Under current law, these sanctions provide the minister with the grounds to revoke the broadcaster’s provisional recognition.

ON! director Peter Vlemmix stated that the organization will continue its ‘struggle for survival.’ While acknowledging past issues, Vlemmix argued that the broadcaster has made improvements over the last year and noted that the controversial video was removed and the editor-in-chief departed following the incident.